Both Everett Golson and Malik Zaire will play against LSU in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn., coach Brian Kelly said Monday.

"Both of them can help us win," Kelly said. "I'm going to play them both because (they) have different traits and we need to find a way to win, and I think both of them can help us win."

Kelly did not name a starter but said the Irish will plan for both to play regardless of how either might perform early in the game. They bring specific strengths to the table — Kelly cited Golson's experience and propensity to make big plays and Zaire's ability to execute read-option plays — that will earn them playing time.

Zaire's credible performance in relief of Golson in the season finale at USC helped coaches see what Zaire could do. Kelly added the competition might extend into the spring and did not dismiss the possibility of playing both quarterbacks next season if that is what's best for his offense.

Through Monday, the Irish had held three bowl practices and Kelly liked the response he saw from both quarterbacks, especially Golson, who is back to fighting for the starting job after committing 22 turnovers this season.

"We had a conversation about what I wanted from him, and he's handled it great," Kelly said. "He's doing exactly what I'm asking him to do on a day-to-day basis.

Bowl season kicks off this week with the first of 39 games. (Yes, only 39!) Some are new. Some are old favorites. Others are as peculiar as ever. Can you spot the fake college bowl games from the real ones? (Tribune)

"I wasn't even interested in going down this road unless he was fully committed and engaged and working on the things that he needed to work on."

Extra points: Mike McGlinchey and Christian Lombard are engaged in a "competitive battle" at right tackle, Kelly said. … Defensive lineman Sheldon Day might play in the bowl game, but his sprained MCL is not 100 percent, Kelly said. Safety Max Redfield (broken rib) is practicing. … Safety Eilar Hardy, one of five players who were suspended in Notre Dame's academic probe, will play in the bowl game and plans to graduate next semester, Kelly said. Hardy played in the Irish's final four games.